Gay Pride is an opportunity for you to stand up

June is Gay Pride, a month to celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual people, plus all other sexual orientations and genders. The month is celebrated in June in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, which kicked off the first major demonstrations for gay rights in America.

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBT people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.

As well as being a month long celebration, Gay Pride is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Gay Pride and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.

There are many ways to celebrate Gay Pride. If you feel that this is the time to express yourself, then do so. Find people who love you for you and let them know who you are. This day is about confidence, hence why this is the time to learn about the history of the LGBT community and be part of the celebration. Join your local LGBT community parades and people would commence along the streets and people would dress up in their most colorful and prideful outfits and celebrate the LGBT community for everyone to see, buy tickets to the NYC Gay Pride parade or just share on social media why you support the LGBT community. Use the hashtag #gaypride and let everyone know what month is and show off your colors.